1. Big Cats are NOT PETS!

2. Captive Tigers are of Value to Conservation through Genetic / DNA Testing! Zoos currently breed tigers based on geopolitical or genealogical knowledge of their tiger's background. We believe in genetically managing tigers based on the results of DNA testing of tigers!

3. There is a difference between Breeding Tigers and the Proper Management of Tigers. Management involves breeding selectively for propagation and enhancement of the species. Breeding is the non-selective or adverse matching of mates.

4. Tigers will become extinct in the wild.  It's a matter of when--not if--this will occur.

5. We must position the captive tigers to be Managed properly before they become extinct in the wild, and this is only possible through DNA testing and enforcement of stricter laws involving the ownership of tigers. Currently zoos have 277 captive tigers under their breeding programs. The private sector (non-AZA) tigers numbers are estimated to be nearing 2,870 and falling. Decide for yourself: which population is likely to become inbred? 

6. Currently the "mainstream" classifies the taxonomic of tigers as 8 subspecies, but we believe there were only three subspecies.  Several conservationists support this TMLF theory.

WHY DO WE NEED A REFUGE FOR BIG CATS?

There are so many good reasons that it's hard to choose of the most important.  First, captive cats are here at the choosing of mankind, and it is unjust to punish an animal for being born or being in the wrong place.  Second, where the welfare of animals is not put ahead of financial gain, conditions can get very bad very quickly.  Thirdly, a good home can evaporate when an owner becomes seriously ill or local laws change.  In all cases, for such large, powerful animals in their wild home, big cats are extremely vulnerable in captivity, relying on humans to do the "right thing."

MANY BIG CATS HAVE BIG PROBLEMS

There are many big cats in private hands who are well taken care of, but a significant number are not.  There is an urgent need to support existing sanctuaries and to add more facilities.  Take the time to learn more about the big cats.  Listen to the strange music of their voices and look into their eyes for the spark of life that burns there.  That is the only reason you would need to support a wildlife refuge.  There is nothing for you to buy that you can take home aside from knowing that you made a difference. So make a donation, come out for a visit and see your investment being put to work.

WHAT ABOUT ZOOS?  

Reputable zoos meet standards set by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and serve conservation  by participating in the managed breeding programs of the Species Survival Plan (SSP).  Although many zoos got their start by taking in unwanted pets,  the demands of managed breeding rule out the use of most unwanted tigers, lions, leopards, and other cats.  With limited space and funding available, most zoos will not take in animals from private owners.  In addition, zoos find themselves placing animals.  Zoo visitors expect to see animals in perfect condition, and in most situations, old, arthritic, or cosmetically impaired cats need a place to go aside from zoos.  

SO WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR UNWANTED CATS?  

  • Other breeders who often use them "puppy mill" style and generate more cubs

  • Game ranches where, for a several thousand dollar fee, they can be shot as they leave their cage and their skins get put on the floor in front of the great hunter's or collectors fireplace

  • Auctions where they may be sold to anyone, including unqualified people 

  • Death (i.e. putting THEM out of OUR misery)

  • And there are a few facilities where the lucky ones go.  Tiger Creek is one such place

WHAT IS A REFUGE?

IT'S NOT THE NAME:  

A "REFUGE" is a way of treating animals, not a name.  It's a place where the residents will spend the rest of their lives with their best welfare determining every aspect of their care. A Refuge does not breed outside of a managed program for conservation through known founder stock or genetic testing. A Refuge does not  place animals in unqualified homes.

REFUGES ARE NOT THE ONLY GOOD HOMES

Some facilities that are not Refuges provide good homes for big cats:

  • There are responsible private owners whose care for their cats is above reproach

  • Many animal park exhibits and attractions provide excellent habitats that are entertaining for both the cats and the visitors

  • And reputable zoos have always served a valuable purpose in educating the public and propagating individual species

These facilities are distinguished from a Refuge in that they have a guaranteed and regular source of funding.

OUR VIEWS ON CAPTIVE ANIMALS

CAPTIVE TIGERS & OTHER EXOTIC OR WILD ANIMALS

We, the staff of Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, believe that originally wild animals should have never been brought into captivity. 

We further realize that the animals that are being held captive and their daily care are an inherited responsibility of the society that we and they live in. 

If it were left up to our staff,  and if it could be accomplished without risk to the animals, we would agree to return these beautiful animals back to the wild. 

We realize that it is because of man's intervention that returning the animals safely to the wild is not feasible. The reasons for this are as numerous as the animals themselves. Many wild animals held in captivity are too acclimated to mankind and thus reintroduction would pose a serious threat to the animal's life. Therefore, the only option that we have for the animals at this time is to provide for them to the best of our ability. This care is only possible with the complete support from mankind. We believe that this care includes: as much room for cage space as can be obtained, adequate veterinary care, shelter from the environment, and fresh food and water. This should also include enrichments to allow the animals a fulfilled and complete life.

PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF EXOTIC & WILD ANIMALS

We are not against private ownership. 

The definition of private ownership means non-government controllership. 

Government controllership is any municipality, state agency or federal agency. 

As a 501-C-3 non-profit organization that is solely supported by the public, we are considered by the government to be private-sector. Many zoos as well as other non-profit organizations are known as private sector.  Many animal rights groups and animal welfare groups are private sector. Some facilities that care for captive wild animals are owned or operated by municipal, state, or federal agencies, thus, they are not considered to be private sector. 

This organization is not affiliated with the government and therefore it is considered to be private sector as defined above.

PET TRADE, KEEPING WILD ANIMALS AS PETS

We do not support, endorse, nor recommend the keeping of any wild animal as a pet. 

A wild animal is any animal that has not been domesticated by man (such as a dog or cat have been). 

These wild animals do not make pets. While they can become acclimated to people and may not be in their wild state, they are potentially dangerous. They are not domesticated nor tamed, they are imprinted or acclimated. They require special care, training, proper facilities, full-time responsibility and in most cases, special permits. There are liability issues to consider as well.

EXHIBITION OF ANIMALS

We support exhibiting animals for one reason only--educational purposes. The only way people will learn about the needs of these animals is through education. The only way people can understand why these animals are endangered is through education. The only way that people will stop considering the thought that wild animals make pets is through education. We further believe that if any animal is to be exploited by being exhibited, that it should only exist for the support of the animal, either individually or as a representative for that species  as a whole.

PERFORMING WILD ANIMALS

We are not against basic obedience commands that allow caretakers to perform daily functions in the care of the animals. We do not believe in making wild animals do any performance that is not part of  their natural behavior.

CONSERVATION

We believe that as good stewards, we all have a responsibility to practice insitu (in the wild) & exsitu (in captivity) conservation. To learn as much about the needs of a given species and to allow those learned skills to benefit the species as a whole.

RESEARCH

We do not conduct any research that is harmful to animals. Our research focuses on the care & survivorship of the animals. Our genetic research or DNA testing of tigers is through blood samples that are drawn during  routine physicals.

ANIMAL RIGHTS

We believe that all animals have rights and should be treated humanely for their  benefit. They should not be exploited for the benefit of mankind.

ANIMAL WELFARE

We support all animal welfare codes developed by the USDA, APHIS.

We believe with rights & liberties come responsibility, through these responsibilities comes accountability!

DEFINITIONS FOR THE INDUSTRY TO ADOPT

WILD ANIMAL
Any animal not domesticated by mankind, living in its natural state and not ordinarily tame or domesticated, may be acclimated or imprinted but wild is wild.

DOMESTICATED ANIMAL
Any animal that has been removed from its natural state and adapted to life in intimate association with and to the advantage of humans  by being  tamed.

EXOTIC ANIMAL
Any animal introduced from another country, not native (indigenous) to the place where it is now found.

INDIGENOUS ANIMAL
Having originated in and being produced, growing, living, or occurring naturally in a particular region or environment of which it is now found.

PRIVATE OWNERSHIP
Any persons or groups that are not affiliated with a government agency, belonging to or concerning an individual person, corporation, or interest, private-sector.

PET
A domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility. Since Big Cats are not domesticated they are not considered as pets.

LIVESTOCK
 Any domesticated animal kept or raised for utility or pleasure; especially : domesticated farm animals kept for use and profit.

EXHIBITION
A public showing (of animals), including members, any persons viewing the animals whom are not daily caretakers.

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